Fred Matiang’i Alarmed by Unmatched Anger, Misery Among Kenyans: "I've Not Seen That Before"
- Former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i has voiced concern over rising public frustration with the current administration
- Matiang'i, a seasoned government official with a decade of experience, explained why the country must not descend into chaos
- He also addressed the issue about bodies found at the River Yala and the reasons why the cases remain unresolved
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i has expressed deep concern over the rising levels of public frustration and suffering across the country.
Source: Twitter
He described the recent protests that were marred by chaos, leading to fatalities and injuries, as unlike anything he has seen before.
Why is Matiang'i shocked by growing public fury?
Speaking during an interview at Citizen TV on Tuesday, July 1, Matiang’i said the widespread anguish among Kenyans is alarming, considering the country’s resources and capacity to provide better living standards.
“The level of pain and misery that we have seen in the country is surprising considering our resources and capacity,” he said. “The anger and pain that wananchi have is unprecedented; I’ve not seen that before.”
Matiang’i, who served under retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, noted that he understands the country's potential intimately and believes Kenyans deserve far better.
“I happen to know this country like the back of my mind and I know for sure what this country is capable of; we are better than this,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with growing discontent, especially among the youth, over the cost of living, governance, and public accountability.
Protests and online campaigns have highlighted widespread calls for reform and transparency from the government.
Matiang’i’s sentiments are likely to resonate with many Kenyans who have expressed similar frustrations, particularly in the wake of recent economic challenges and increased public pressure on national leadership.
Were there cases of murder during Matiang'i's era?
During Uhuru's regime, over 30 bodies were found dumped in the River Yala.
The former CS addressed the controversial discovery and explained that upon learning of the incident, the ministry engaged the then Inspector General of Police, and it was agreed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) would be deployed to Yala to look into the matter.
He further noted that the investigation required families to positively identify the bodies to establish the circumstances of death.
However, the process had not been concluded by the time his administration left office.
“The file was still open as investigations were ongoing. I didn’t leave with the file—it remained a police matter,” Matiang’i clarified.
Which political party does Matiang’i belong to?
Meanwhile, Matiang’i stated that he is not affiliated with any political party, maintaining that he remains politically neutral as he continues to engage in wide-ranging consultations.
Source: Twitter
Hinting at possible future political alignments, the former CS emphasised the need for coalition-building, noting that the current political environment does not support single-party dominance.
He indicated that discussions are ongoing with various stakeholders as he explores the most inclusive and strategic approach to his political comeback.
Matiang’i also refuted claims that he is Uhuru's political project, asserting his independence and commitment to building a broad-based movement grounded in dialogue and unity.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
